Can mugwort water treat hemorrhoids?

Generally speaking, mugwort leaf water may provide some auxiliary relief for hemorrhoids but cannot completely cure them. If there are any concerns, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance. The detailed explanation is as follows:

If the symptoms are mild, characterized by slight swelling, itching, or minimal bleeding, external application of mugwort leaf water may help alleviate symptoms. Mugwort leaf is warm in nature and has functions of warming the meridians to stop bleeding and dispersing cold to relieve pain. Sitting in a bath prepared with boiled mugwort leaf water can promote blood circulation around the anal area, reduce local inflammatory reactions, ease congestion and swelling, and provide some relief for discomfort caused by mild inflammatory external hemorrhoids or early-stage internal hemorrhoids. Consistent use may help alleviate symptoms to some extent.

When hemorrhoids are in an acute phase, marked by severe pain, significant swelling or heavy bleeding, or accompanied by infection or prolapse of hemorrhoidal masses, mugwort leaf water may not effectively control the condition. At this stage, the pathological changes of hemorrhoids are relatively severe, and relying solely on mugwort leaf water cannot reduce the swelling of the hemorrhoidal masses or address issues such as bleeding and infection. It is necessary to combine medical treatments such as hemorrhoid ointments and suppositories, and in some cases, surgical interventions may be required to avoid delaying treatment due to reliance on mugwort leaf water alone.

When using mugwort leaf water to manage hemorrhoids, it should be considered as a complementary method rather than a substitute for standard medical treatment. It is important to first determine the severity of the symptoms. Individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold should use it cautiously for internal consumption, and when applying externally, ensure the water temperature is appropriate to avoid burning the skin.